Natural therapies
Medical treatments
What to avoid
Lifestyle choices
There are some approaches that women have found to be helpful when dealing with haemorrhoids. Being constipated and straining to open the bowels can make them worse (or can even help to cause them). Some things that can help keep the motions soft can include:
Drinking water. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day and a glass or two of fruit juice (prune juice if possible) and / or vegetable juice (fresh if possible). Sometimes drinking very hot (or very cold) liquids are beneficial (depending on the woman). Sometimes a glass of warm water with a squeeze of lemon juice first thing in the morning can stimulate the bowels.
Dietary changes. Increasing the fibre in your diet can help. Including cereals, with bran or psyllium seeds or wheat germ added. Fruit and vegetables, especially dried fruits such as prunes, apricots, dates and sultanas. Replacing refined white flour products with wholegrain breads, rice and pasta. Some liquorice may help.
Most fresh greens nourish and help strengthen the entire circulatory system and can act as a laxative. Raw parsley is beneficial, using it in salads or adding to your vegetable juice. Eating foods rich in vitamins A, C, E and B complex can help with circulatory problems.
Taking time. Taking time to go to the toilet and not putting off passing motions to a later time if you feel the urge. Trying not to strain. Some women find putting their feet on a low footstool while on the toilet helps.
Physical activity and exercises can increase the strength of the pelvic floor muscle that supports the rectal. It may also help the blood circulation.
Some things that may be helpful include:
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Doing 5 sessions of pelvic floor exercises a day, being 8-10 long exercises and 5-10 short exercises. |
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Having some gentle exercise such as walking, swimming, yoga (or even belly dancing), to help stimulate the bowel. |
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Avoid squatting for prolonged periods. |